Agriculture is a high-risk profession, ranking alongside construction and mining as one of the most hazardous industries.

By Roelof Bezuidenhout

An accident is an unexpected and unintentional incident that typically results in damage or injury – though not always. Sometimes, minor accidents serve as warnings of potential dangers caused by negligence or failure to take proper precautions. As the saying goes, some situations are accidents waiting to happen.

Newcomers to a farming operation may be particularly prone to accidents due to their unfamiliarity with procedures, machinery and equipment. Experienced workers could, however, be equally at risk, as years of routine can lead to complacency and carelessness.

Statistics on farm accidents are alarming, highlighting the need for farmers to spend more time assessing potential risks.

Farming involves unpredictable animals that can be difficult to control – often large and aggressive when startled – along with heavy machinery that cannot be stopped instantly if something goes wrong. Additionally, exposure to chemicals poses both immediate and long-term health risks, while the physically demanding nature of farm work takes a toll on muscles, joints and the spine, especially as one ages.

Most agricultural work is physically strenuous, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Moreover, farming is one of the few professions where living and working conditions overlap, putting not only agricultural workers but also family members at risk of serious injuries, including amputations, severe burns, hearing or vision loss, and other forms of permanent damage. While insurance can provide financial protection, some injuries can significantly impact quality of life, making accident prevention the best approach.

Reliable data on farm accidents in South Africa is limited, but globally, at least 170 000 agricultural workers die each year due to work-related incidents. In the United States, the fatality rate among farmers is estimated at 60 to 70 deaths per 100 000 annually, whereas non-fatal injuries affect about 33% of the farming population. Of these, 3% result in permanent disability.

These figures often exclude part-time farmworkers, as well as the broader economic impact of injuries, including medical costs, trauma and lost productivity.

According to Wilson Kehoe Winingham (WKW), a team of personal injury lawyers in Indiana, USA, farming accidents are extremely common, yet in most cases preventable.

How farmers can reduce risks for themselves and their workers

• Develop a safety checklist: Regularly inspect farm property and equipment. Walk through the farm to identify machinery, platforms, handrails and pathways that require maintenance. Repair or replace any damaged equipment or structures as needed.

• Implement a safety and emergency plan: Establish a schedule for essential safety checks throughout the year. Develop a clear communication plan and step-by-step emergency protocol. Ensure that all workers understand the procedures and are prepared to follow them in case of an emergency.

• Train all employees thoroughly: Regularly review equipment manuals, and ensure that all workers do the same. Employees should only operate machinery or handle chemicals if they have received proper training. Farming accidents are often preventable – studies show that 80% result from carelessness or failure to manage hazards safely. Never allow untrained individuals to use farming equipment without supervision, and educate all workers about the risks associated with toxic chemicals. Conduct regular safety briefings to discuss common farming accidents and how to prevent them.

• Stay informed about farming laws and safety regulations: Familiarise yourself with occupational safety and health regulations, as well as industry best practices. Stay updated on legal requirements and research common farming hazards to improve workplace safety and compliance.

Defective equipment, a major safety hazard

Faulty farming equipment remains a significant issue in the agricultural sector, with manufacturers continuing to produce and distribute unsafe machinery. As a result, farmers and farm workers are frequently injured. Tractor accidents, in particular, are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in farming. The most common types of tractor-related accidents are:

• Rollovers: Many farmers have been seriously injured or killed when tractors overturn.

• Entanglement: Farm workers risk severe injuries, disfigurement or death when they become caught in machinery.

• Being run over: Workers can suffer life-threatening injuries if they fall off tractors and are run over.

Some farm accidents result from defective or hazardous equipment, in which case the equipment manufacturer may be held liable.

Common types of faulty or dangerous farming equipment include bush hogs, hay rakes, hay balers, augers and grain bins.

Another major cause of farming accidents is the failure to provide mandatory safety labels and warnings. By law, all hazardous chemicals must be clearly identified and properly labelled, and farming equipment must display adequate warnings. If an injury or fatality occurs due to missing safety labels or warnings, the equipment manufacturer or farm employer could be held accountable, according to WKW.

Falls from farm structures and equipment are another serious risk. Many farm workers have been fatally crushed due to unstable structures or machinery. If a worker is injured or killed due to a fall or structural collapse, liability may rest with the farm employer, equipment manufacturer or other farm employees.

For tasks involving wind pumps or elevated structures, workers must wear proper safety gear, including harnesses and helmets, to minimise risks.

Tractor safety

Modern safety standards recommend that all farm tractors be equipped with dead-man switches, also known as operator presence sensing systems (OPSS). These switches act as a fail-safe, automatically shutting down the machine if the operator leaves the seat while the engine is running and the tractor is in gear.

Additionally, rollover protection systems (ROPS) are now mandatory on newer tractors to reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a rollover.

Farmers should also be vigilant about other potential hazards, such as people falling off trailers, bakkies or trucks; dangerous road conditions; and overhead power lines.

It’s important to remember that tractor accidents aren’t always due to operator error. Many tractors have inherently unsafe designs, and a malfunction can occur even when the equipment is used correctly.

Suffocation

Suffocation is a serious hazard on grain farms. Grain bins and silos can contain airborne micrograins that make breathing difficult and increase the risk of suffocation.

A particularly dangerous and frightening scenario is entrapment inside a grain silo, where a person can become engulfed and unable to escape, often leading to suffocation and death. Proper safety measures, including ventilation systems and harnesses, are essential to prevent such tragedies.

Don’t forget burns

Burns are an ever-present hazard on a farm. They can be life-altering, causing intense pain and permanent disfigurement. In some cases, burns may lead to long-term issues, such as loss of sensation or negative impacts on mental health. Always exercise caution around fires and flammable substances to avoid serious injury.

Common sense is key

Safe livestock farming starts with secure, well-maintained yards and fencing. Gates should be sturdy and able to withstand pressure from animals. In shearing sheds, non-slip floors are essential to prevent accidents. Livestock, which can weigh hundreds of kilograms, can have a major impact even with seemingly small movements. You certainly don’t want to be trampled by a herd of cattle or struck by a powerful ram. A back kick from a startled horse could lead to broken bones or internal bleeding.

Animal bites are another serious risk. Bacterial infections from these wounds must be treated immediately to prevent sepsis. Always seek medical attention right away after any injury caused by an animal.

Staying vigilant and prioritising safety can help prevent life-threatening accidents on the farm.

The key to preventing farm accidents is identifying the factors that commonly contribute to them and addressing these risks before an incident occurs. While the farm owner or manager may be held responsible for mishaps, employees also have a duty to avoid dangerous situations caused by carelessness or reckless behaviour.